By Debbie Adams
Rosie’s Gaming Emporium in Vinton formally opened its new expansion on December 8– doubling in size, more than doubling in the number of games offered (from 150 to 500), and adding more live entertainment (local and national) on a new circular stage.
The overall space has more than doubled from 15,000 square feet to 33,000 square feet; plus, a 280-space parking garage has been added.
Regional General Manager Ernie Dellaverson welcomed guests to the updated venue saying Rosie’s is “super excited” for the official opening of the expansion which has been “a year in the works.” (Rosie’s first opened in Vinton in May 2019.) The crowds came early on December 8 and the atmosphere was electric with flashing lights, sparkling new games, a live band, free donuts, and more.
Dellaverson used the occasion of the official opening to continue what has become a Rosie’s tradition in the brief time it has been in Vinton– giving back to the community.
On December 8, two organizations– the Vinton Historical Society and the Vinton Breakfast Lions Club were each presented with checks for $5,000 to assist them in continuing their good works.
The Historical Society plans to use its donation for projects and improvements to the Vinton History Museum. Treasurer Debbie Pitts says that the funds may be combined with other money raised to go toward their wish list which includes replacing a printer and scanner to digitalize, store, and print documents, sound, and artifacts, or even installation of an elevator.
The Breakfast Lions have designated their funds for building a new Valley Metro bus shelter at Lake Drive Plaza.
Donations to other organizations to celebrate the expanded opening include:
- Vinton First Aid Crew – $25,000
- Marine Toys for Tots – $5,000
- Children’s Assistive Technology Services – $1,000
- Mill Mountain Zoo – $1,000
The Vinton First Aid Crew plans to spend the funds on the purchase of new equipment to meet the members’ many needs.
Dellaverson said the Vinton Rosie’s expansion was much needed as on many nights and weekends the gaming emporium has been “at capacity” and needed “to hold the door.” Capacity has now almost tripled from 480 customers to room for 1,400.
He noted that customers have requested more gaming space– an expanded footprint– and Rosie’s has always wanted to add to the entertainment venue with a larger stage, and live music on nights and weekends. The new stage will accommodate a six-piece band. The always popular “Low Low Chariot” band with lead singer J.D. Sutphin performed on December 7 and 8 to celebrate the opening.
The full line-up for December and New Year’s Eve, arranged by Roanoke’s Big Lick Entertainment and Colonial Downs, is:
- , Dec. 9: Five Dollar Shake, 8-10 p.m.
- , Dec. 10: The Bogeys, 8-10 p.m.|
- , Dec. 11: Pete Turpin Band, 8-10 p.m.
- , Dec. 16: T-Fox Holiday Party, 8-10 p.m.
- , Dec. 17: T-Fox Holiday Party, 8-10 p.m.
- , Dec. 18: T-Fox Holiday Party, 8-10 p.m.
- 24: Soulacoustix, 8-10 p.m.
- 31: Fuzzy Logic, 8-10 p.m.
- 1: That 80′ s Party, 8-10 p.m.
Guests must be 18 or older to attend.
T-Fox, a nationally known singer, songwriter, and entertainer will be appearing for three nights in December. He is critically acclaimed for his six-octave vocal range and multi-talented instrumental skills and for switching back and forth between genres—and costumes. He has been performing a one-man show at the Tropicana Casino in Las Vegas for 15 years, where the mayor there described him as “The Spirit of the Strip,” honoring him with the Key to the City. He was the recipient of the 2014 BMA Las Vegas Entertainer of the Year Award and the 2017 Personality of the Year Award.
He performed for several years at the Tropicana Hotel Casino in Atlantic City, N.J., and was a headliner at the world-famous Resorts Hotel & Casino’s 1,500-seat Superstar Theater in Atlantic City to sold-out audiences. T-Fox has performed at the inaugural balls for three U.S. presidents.
Dellaverson noted that Rosie’s has become a regional draw and increased customer traffic to Vinton in general, contributing to its newly booming downtown. He expects the addition of more games and more entertainment will make Rosie’s even more of a destination.
Colonial Downs group made a $28 million investment in the Vinton community with the Rosie’s expansion project, hiring more team members (50 new jobs, bringing the total to 125, starting off at $15/hour) and increasing the tax payments to the Town of Vinton. Dellaverson called the Rosie’s expansion “a great economic engine” and a “win-win” for both the town and Rosie’s.
In case you missed the soft opening on December 8, Rosie’s plans a big celebration over a weekend in January to invite the community in to see the changes.
Colonial Downs Group and Rosie’s are proud to have made direct monetary and in-kind donations of more than $1,375,000 and have logged over 2,500 service hours in Virginia communities. The business employs more than 1,000 team members in the Commonwealth, paying over $30 million in annual salaries, wages, and benefits. The company has made a $300 million investment in Virginia and pays more than $32 million in annual state and local taxes, plus an additional $12 million in racing industry payments annually.
The Vinton Rosie’s Gaming Emporium is located at 1135 Vinyard Road in Vinton. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, and 8 a.m.-4 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
